Audi has revealed that three new electric models will be released in the next three years, joining two new Q models in the shape of the Q8 (above) and Q4. Five core model series will be renewed by the middle of next year too.
Audi's currently titled e-tron quattro has already been confirmed for manufacture after being released at the last Frankfurt Motor Show. A large SUV with a range of more than 300 miles, the e-tron quattro will be one of three pure-electric models launched by 2020, with details of the other two not confirmed yet.
With the current trend for coupe-SUVs, it wouldn't be too surprising to see the e-tron Sportback concept revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year make it to full production, while a smaller, more mainstream model would be a welcome addition to the electric car market too.
The confirmation that Audi will start building the Q8 hopefully means the concept's mild hybrid drive system makes it through to the production line too. Revealed at Geneva at the beginning of March, the Q8 concept could be the vanguard of Audi's push to have a minimum of a mild hybrid across its model line-up. A previous Q8 concept also featured an e-tron PHEV powertrain.
Nothing is known about a Q4 model, apart from it was expected both in terms of current trends in crossover/SUV sales, and the fact that Audi gained the rights to both the Q2 and Q4 badges from Alfa Romeo in the past year or so. Expect a challenger for the likes of BMW's X4, the Mercedes GLC-Coupe, and Jaguar's F-Pace though.
Audi has stated that more than 30% of its sales will be fully or partially electric by 2025. The company is both expected to take the lead in developing its own systems, and sharing other VW Group electric powertrain and chassis components - this latter point especially true for Audi's smaller models which share platform and engines with VW, Skoda, and Seat.
After the three pure electric models are released by 2020, Audi has confirmed that it will then focus on the electrification of each of its core model series. This is likely to include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric.
Audi has also been previously confirmed as the VW Group's lead developer of automated driving systems, and also will collaborate with Porsche for future vehicle architectures.